WASHINGTON—As part of the National Governors Association Winter Meeting and in an effort to commemorate 100 years of the Australian-U.S. strategic alliance, the Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) and National Governors Association (NGA) today agreed to strengthen cross-country ties through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at a ceremony in Washington D.C.

CAF Chair, Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and NGA Chair, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, signed an MOU that recognises the importance of shared values and common aspirations to promote and advance economic growth and international cooperation between the states and territories of the Commonwealth of Australia and the states and territories of United States.

The MOU identifies areas for engagement and interest, such as trade and investment, tourism, infrastructure, innovation, environment, agriculture, public health, law enforcement, education and workforce development.

“We look forward to exploring further avenues for collaboration with Australian states and territories, said Gov. Sandoval. “Subnational leaders are integral in promoting and advancing economic prosperity and committed to overcoming shared policy challenges and ensuring our regional economy remains globally competitive.”

“I look forward to learning from and collaborating with our US colleagues on areas of key interest to drive our respective economies,” said Chief Minister Barr. “Australian states and territories share a lot of common interests with the US states, and it is my hope that this agreement leads to better cooperation in the future.”

The NGA and CAF both take leadership roles on national policy issues, and develop innovative solutions to improve state and territories, while supporting the principles of federalism.

Australian premiers and chief ministers and U.S. governors witnessed the signing of the MOU, with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull presiding.